New International VersionTo the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.
New Living TranslationWhen I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some.
English Standard VersionTo the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.
Berean Standard BibleTo the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.
Berean Literal BibleTo the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all these things to all, so that by all means I might save some.
King James BibleTo the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
New King James Versionto the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
New American Standard BibleTo the weak I became weak, that I might gain the weak; I have become all things to all people, so that I may by all means save some.
NASB 1995To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some.
NASB 1977To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, that I may by all means save some.
Legacy Standard BibleTo the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some.
Amplified BibleTo the weak I became [as the] weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means [in any and every way] save some [by leading them to faith in Jesus Christ].
Christian Standard BibleTo the weak I became weak, in order to win the weak. I have become all things to all people, so that I may by every possible means save some.
Holman Christian Standard BibleTo the weak I became weak, in order to win the weak. I have become all things to all people, so that I may by every possible means save some.
American Standard VersionTo the weak I became weak, that I might gain the weak: I am become all things to all men, that I may by all means save some.
Contemporary English VersionWhen I am with people whose faith is weak, I live as they do to win them. I do everything I can to win everyone I possibly can.
English Revised VersionTo the weak I became weak, that I might gain the weak: I am become all things to all men, that I may by all means save some.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationI became like a person weak in faith to win those who are weak in faith. I have become everything to everyone in order to save at least some of them.
Good News TranslationAmong the weak in faith I become weak like one of them, in order to win them. So I become all things to all people, that I may save some of them by whatever means are possible.
International Standard VersionTo the weak I became weak in order to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some of them.
NET BibleTo the weak I became weak in order to gain the weak. I have become all things to all people, so that by all means I may save some.
New Heart English BibleTo the weak I became as weak, that I might gain the weak. I have become all things to all people, that I may by all means save some.
Webster's Bible TranslationTo the weak I became as weak, that I might gain the weak: I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
Weymouth New TestamentTo the weak I have become weak, so as to gain the weak. To all men I have become all things, in the hope that in every one of these ways I may save some. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleTo the weak I became like one who is weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.
World English BibleTo the weak I became as weak, that I might gain the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I may by all means save some. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionto the weak I became weak, that I might gain the weak; to all men I have become all things, that by all means I may save some.
Berean Literal BibleTo the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all these things to all, so that by all means I might save some.
Young's Literal Translation I became to the infirm as infirm, that the infirm I might gain; to all men I have become all things, that by all means I may save some.
Smith's Literal TranslationI became to the weak as weak, that I might gain the weak: I have been all things to all, that altogether I might save some. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleTo the weak I became weak, that I might gain the weak. I became all things to all men, that I might save all.
Catholic Public Domain VersionTo the weak, I became weak, so that I might gain the weak. To all, I became all, so that I might save all.
New American BibleTo the weak I became weak, to win over the weak. I have become all things to all, to save at least some.
New Revised Standard VersionTo the weak I became weak, so that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that I might by all means save some. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleWith the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak: I became everything to every man, that I might by all means save everyone.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishI was with the weak as weak that I might gain the weak. I was everything to every person that I might give life to every person. NT Translations Anderson New Testamentto the weak I became like one who was weak, that I might gain the weak: I have become all things to all men, that I may, by all means, save some.
Godbey New TestamentTo the weak I became as weak, that I may gain the weak. I became all things to all men, that I may indeed save some.
Haweis New TestamentI became to the weak as weak, that I might gain the weak; I became all things to all men, that by every means I might save some.
Mace New Testamentto the weak I became as weak, that I might gain the weak: I became all things to all men, that I might save all sorts of men.
Weymouth New TestamentTo the weak I have become weak, so as to gain the weak. To all men I have become all things, in the hope that in every one of these ways I may save some.
Worrell New TestamentTo the weak I became weak, that I might gain the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I may, by all means, save some.
Worsley New TestamentTo the weak I became as the weak, that I might gain the weak: I became all things to all men, that I might by every means save some.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Paul the Servant to All… 21To those without the law I became like one without the law (though I am not outside the law of God but am under the law of Christ), to win those without the law. 22To theweakI becameweak,towintheweak.I have becomeallthingsto all peopleso thatby all possible meansI might savesome.23I do all this for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings.…
Cross References Philippians 2:4-5Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. / Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus:
Romans 15:1-2We who are strong ought to bear with the shortcomings of the weak and not to please ourselves. / Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.
Galatians 6:2Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Acts 16:3Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, so he took him and circumcised him on account of the Jews in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek.
Romans 14:1-3Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on his opinions. / For one person has faith to eat all things, while another, who is weak, eats only vegetables. / The one who eats everything must not belittle the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted him.
Matthew 18:14In the same way, your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.
2 Corinthians 11:29Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not burn with grief?
Romans 11:14in the hope that I may provoke my own people to jealousy and save some of them.
1 Thessalonians 5:14And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.
1 Peter 3:8Finally, all of you, be like-minded and sympathetic, love as brothers, be tenderhearted and humble.
James 5:19-20My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, / consider this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover over a multitude of sins.
Luke 19:10For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
John 12:32And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw everyone to Myself.”
1 Timothy 4:16Pay close attention to your life and to your teaching. Persevere in these things, for by so doing you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
2 Timothy 2:10For this reason I endure all things for the sake of the elect, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
Treasury of Scripture To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. To the weak. 1 Corinthians 8:13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend. Romans 15:1 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Corinthians 11:29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? I am. 1 Corinthians 10:33 Even as I please allmen in allthings, not seeking mine own profit, but theprofit of many, that they may be saved. that I might by. 1 Corinthians 9:19 For though I be free from allmen, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. 1 Corinthians 7:16 For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt savethy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt savethy wife? Romans 11:14 If by any means I may provoke to emulationthem which are my flesh, and might save some of them. Jump to Previous EventsFeebleGainHopeMeansPossibleSalvationSaveWaysWeakWinJump to Next EventsFeebleGainHopeMeansPossibleSalvationSaveWaysWeakWin1 Corinthians 9 1.He shows his liberty;7.and that the minister ought to receive a living by the Gospel;15.yet that himself has of his own accord abstained,18.to be neither chargeable unto them,22.nor offensive unto any, in matters indifferent.24.Our life is like unto a race.To the weak I became weakPaul's approach to ministry was characterized by empathy and adaptability. In the context of 1 Corinthians, "the weak" likely refers to those with a fragile conscience or limited understanding of Christian liberty, particularly concerning food offered to idols ( 1 Corinthians 8:7-13). Paul willingly adjusted his behavior to avoid causing them to stumble, demonstrating humility and love. This reflects Jesus' own ministry, where He identified with humanity's weaknesses ( Hebrews 4:15). to win the weak
Paul's ultimate goal was evangelism and discipleship. "Winning" here implies leading others to a deeper understanding of the Gospel and a stronger faith. This aligns with the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) and echoes Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). Paul's strategy was not about compromising the Gospel but about removing barriers to its acceptance. I have become all things to all people
Paul's flexibility in ministry is evident. He adapted his methods to connect with diverse groups, whether Jews, Gentiles, or those under the law (1 Corinthians 9:20-21). This adaptability is not about changing the message but about contextualizing it. It reflects the incarnation of Christ, who took on human form to reach humanity (Philippians 2:7). so that by all possible means
Paul's commitment to the Gospel was comprehensive. He utilized every legitimate method to communicate the message of Christ. This phrase underscores the urgency and creativity in evangelism, reminiscent of Jesus' parables, which used everyday situations to convey spiritual truths (Matthew 13). I might save some
Paul acknowledges that not everyone will accept the Gospel, but his efforts are directed toward saving as many as possible. This reflects the biblical understanding of human free will and divine sovereignty in salvation (Romans 9:18-24). It also highlights the importance of perseverance in ministry, as seen in Jesus' parable of the sower (Matthew 13:3-9), where different responses to the Gospel are anticipated. Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of 1 Corinthians, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and epistles. He wrote this letter to address issues and questions within the Corinthian church. 2. CorinthA major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and diversity. The church in Corinth faced many challenges, including divisions and moral issues, which Paul addresses in his letters. 3. The WeakRefers to those who are spiritually or morally weak, possibly new believers or those struggling with their faith. Paul emphasizes his adaptability to reach and support them. Teaching Points Adaptability in MinistryPaul’s approach teaches us the importance of being adaptable in our methods of sharing the Gospel. We should be willing to meet people where they are, without compromising the message of Christ. Empathy and UnderstandingBy becoming "weak," Paul demonstrates empathy. We are called to understand and relate to others’ struggles, showing Christ’s love through our actions. Purpose-Driven ActionsPaul’s ultimate goal was to save some. Our actions and adaptations should always be driven by the purpose of leading others to Christ. Cultural SensitivityPaul’s strategy highlights the need for cultural sensitivity in evangelism. Understanding and respecting cultural differences can open doors for effective ministry. Self-Sacrifice for the GospelPaul’s willingness to become "all things" reflects a self-sacrificial attitude. We are encouraged to put aside personal preferences for the sake of the Gospel. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 9:22?
2.How can we become "all things to all men" in our daily lives?
3.What does 1 Corinthians 9:22 teach about adapting to different cultural contexts?
4.How does Paul's approach in 1 Corinthians 9:22 connect with Jesus' ministry methods?
5.In what ways can we "save some" through our personal relationships today?
6.How can we balance cultural adaptation with maintaining biblical truth and integrity?
7.How does 1 Corinthians 9:22 guide Christians in relating to non-believers?
8.What does "becoming all things to all men" mean in 1 Corinthians 9:22?
9.How can 1 Corinthians 9:22 be applied in modern evangelism?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 9?
11.What defines a cowboy church?
12.What does "all things to all people" mean?
13.Who was David Livingstone?
14.What does 'all things to all people' mean?What Does 1 Corinthians 9:22 Mean To the weak I became weak• Paul willingly set aside personal freedoms to identify with believers whose faith was fragile, mirroring the Savior who “did not please Himself” (Romans 15:1–3). • He refrained from food or practices that might wound tender consciences (1 Corinthians 8:9–13), choosing empathy over entitlement. • Like the Good Shepherd who tenderly carries lambs (Isaiah 40:11), Paul adopted a posture of humility so the spiritually vulnerable would feel safe to grow.
to win the weak• “Win” points to evangelistic purpose, echoingProverbs 11:30—“he who wins souls is wise.” • Paul understood that the eternal destiny of the weak outweighed any temporal comfort, paralleling Jude 22–23, which urges mercy and rescue. • His lifestyle modeledGalatians 6:1: restoring the stumbling “in a spirit of gentleness,” confirming that patience, not pressure, best draws wavering hearts to Christ.
I have become all things to all people• This is not compromise with sin (Romans 12:2) but strategic adaptability, resembling Jesus’ varied ministry approaches—teaching Nicodemus at night (John 3), dining with tax collectors by day (Luke 5:29–32). • Paul adapted cultural customs—circumcising Timothy for Jewish outreach (Acts 16:3) yet refusing it for Titus among Gentiles (Galatians 2:3–5)—illustrating freedom rightly harnessed. • His example fulfillsPhilippians 2:4: “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
so that by all possible means I might save some• The phrase underscores urgency; eternity is at stake (2 Corinthians 5:11). • “All possible means” validates diverse gospel methods—public debate (Acts 17:17), personal hospitality (Acts 28:30–31), bi-vocational labor (Acts 18:3)—so long as they remain faithful to the message (Galatians 1:8–9). • “Save some” acknowledges human freedom yet trusts divine sovereignty (Acts 13:48); results belong to God, but responsibility to proclaim rests on believers (Ezekiel 3:18–19).
summaryPaul describes a self-sacrificing flexibility driven by love for souls. He steps into the weakness of others, relinquishes rights, and tailors his approach without diluting truth, all so that men and women might meet Christ. The verse challenges us to value eternal outcomes above personal preferences, leveraging every God-honoring avenue to lead people to salvation. (22) To the weak.--We can scarcely take this (as some do) to refer to weak Christians, of whom he has spoken in 1 Corinthians 8. The whole passage treats of the attitude which the Apostle assumed towards various classes outside the Christian Church, that he might gain them as converts. The words "I became," which have introduced the various classes in 1Corinthians 9:20, are here again repeated, and this passage seems to be an explanation and reiteration of what had gone before. "It was to the weak points (not to the strong points) of Jews, proselytes, and Gentiles that I assimilated myself. To the weak ones among all these classes I became weak, that I might gain those weak ones." I am made all things to all. . . .--Better,I am become all things to all men that I should save at least some. Although he had thus accommodated himself, so far as was possible, consistently with Christian duty, to the weaknesses of all, he could only hope to win some of them. The natural climax would have been--"I become all things to all men that I might winall." But the Apostle's humility could not let him dare to hope for so great a reward as that. All the self-sacrifice he could make was necessary to gain "at all events some," and that would be his ample reward. The word "save" means "win over to Christianity," as in1Corinthians 7:16, and is used here instead of the previous word "gain," being repeated to prevent any possible perversion of the Apostle's meaning as to "gaining men." His subject was not, as enemies might suggest, to win them to himself--but to Christ. Verse 22. - To the weak. His whole argument here is a plea for condescension to the infirmities of weak converts. A similar condescension to their prejudices might be necessary to win them to Christianity at all ( 1 Corinthians 8:13; "We that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves," Romans 15:1). St. Paul often touches on our duties to weak brethren ( 1 Corinthians 8:7; Romans 14:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; Acts 20:35). All things to all men. He repeats the same principle in 1 Corinthians 10:33, "I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved;" and once more, at the end of his course ( 2 Timothy 2:10). This condescension laid him open to the malicious attacks of religious enemies ( Galatians 1:10). But not on that account would St. Paul ever be led to abandon the fruitful aid of that universal sympathy and tolerance which is one of the best tests of Christian love. That I might by all means save some. He adds this explanation of the motive of his condescension to various scruples συγατάβασις) lest any should accuse him of men pleasing, as some of his Galatian opponents had done ( Galatians 1:10). In his desire to win souls he acted with the wisdom and sympathy taught by experience, suppressing himself.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek To theτοῖς(tois)Article - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.weakἀσθενέσιν(asthenesin)Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 772:(lit: not strong), (a) weak (physically, or morally), (b) infirm, sick. Strengthless.I becameἐγενόμην(egenomēn)Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1096:A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.weak,ἀσθενής(asthenēs)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 772:(lit: not strong), (a) weak (physically, or morally), (b) infirm, sick. Strengthless.toἵνα(hina)Conjunction
Strong's 2443:In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.winκερδήσω(kerdēsō)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2770:To gain, acquire, win (over), avoid loss. From kerdos; to gain.theτοὺς(tous)Article - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.weak.ἀσθενεῖς(astheneis)Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 772:(lit: not strong), (a) weak (physically, or morally), (b) infirm, sick. Strengthless.I have becomeγέγονα(gegona)Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1096:A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.allπάντα(panta)Adjective - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3956:All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.thingsτοῖς(tois)Article - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.to all [men],πᾶσιν(pasin)Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3956:All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.so thatἵνα(hina)Conjunction
Strong's 2443:In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.by all possible meansπάντως(pantōs)Adverb
Strong's 3843:Wholly, entirely, in every way, by all means, certainly. Adverb from pas; entirely; specially, at all events, in no event.I might saveσώσω(sōsō)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 4982:To save, heal, preserve, rescue. From a primary sos; to save, i.e. Deliver or protect.some [of them].τινὰς(tinas)Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5100:Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.
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NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 9:22 To the weak I became as weak (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) |
